The U.S. EPA officially approved Merit Laboratories to perform analytical laboratory testing for PFAS compounds as part of the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UMCR5). As part of UCMR5, Merit Laboratories is approved for analytical methods EPA 533 and EPA 537.1. UCMR 5 includes all 29 PFAS compounds that are within the scope of EPA Methods 533 and 537.1.
Department of Defense Tracking PFAS Contamination at over 700 Military Sites
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) continues to track PFAS contamination progress at over 700 military installations throughout the country. In the DoD’s latest update, the list of sites includes bases and facilities in all 50 states and several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
EPA Releases Human Health Toxicity Report for PFBS, a PFAS Chemical
The U.S. EPA has released a report on Human Health Toxicity Values for Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS) and Related Compound Potassium Perfluorobutane Sulfonate (CAS #29420-49-3). PFBS is a member of a larger group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This assessment is part of EPA’s efforts to increase the amount of research and information that is publicly available on chemicals in the PFAS family. It was developed by the U.S. EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA).
U.S. EPA Announces Plans to Include PFAS for the First Time in Updated Wastewater Regulations
The U.S. EPA recently announced the creation of Preliminary Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15 (Preliminary Plan 15), which identifies opportunities to better protect public health and the environment through regulation of wastewater pollution. For the first time, PFAS will become regulated for wastewater effluent through the Clean Water Act (CWA).
It’s Raining, It’s Pouring, PFAS is Soaring!
Rainwater in the Great Lakes region contains alarming levels of the toxic chemical PFAS, according to data from a joint Environmental Protection Agency and Canada monitoring network, as detailed in a recent article from EWG.
PFAS Contamination Site Tracker Shows Rapidly Expanding List in the United States
The number of PFAS contaminated sites in the United States continues to expand at a rapid pace. According to the PFAS Contamination Site Tracker, managed by Northeastern University’s Social Science Environmental Health Institute (SSEHRI), there are now 1,244 sites with PFAS contamination and 1,114 water systems contaminated with PFAS.
Merit Laboratories Participating in the Great Lakes PFAS Summit
Merit Laboratories Adds Pennsylvania NELAP Laboratory Accreditation
Merit Laboratories has added laboratory accreditation through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The list of accredited analytical parameters includes metals, organic, and inorganic test methods. The Pennsylvania DEP is a NELAP recognized accreditation body. The Pennsylvania laboratory accreditation is based upon compliance with NELAP and Pennsylvania code, 25 Pa Code Chapter 252.
Merit Laboratories Here to Serve: COVID-19
The spread of the COVID-19 has created significant health, safety and business disruptions all around the world. In order to offer some reassurance to our clients, Merit Laboratories will remain operational and available to you. We will continue to accept samples and our project managers are able to ship sampling orders. Merit’s field team is available for sample pick-up and will continue to service your projects.